My Multicultural Worship Story [by Kailey Collins]

Kailey Collins serves on our Proskuneo staff as our Administrator. She also teaches violin at our Proskuneo School of the Arts. For more information on Kailey and how to get involved with her ministry here at Proskuneo, visit her staff bio page here. This is her story in her words.

A little over 2 years ago I had the opportunity to attend my very first multi-cultural worship service. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before! There were at least 20 cultures represented among those present that night! That evening was a catalyst for me. I knew God had something planned for my life and I knew that God had placed a love in my heart for cultures besides my own, but I had no idea how God was going to use me. Towards the end of the service there was an opportunity for everyone to sing a song, but we were instructed to sing it in our heart language (English for me – with a little German scattered in).

All those different languages being sung at the same time should have sounded chaotic and discordant. As I was singing and listening I couldn’t help think how this experience was flying in the face of everything I had been taught as a musician. As a classical violinist, I was taught to appreciate order and sameness.This was anything but that! My mind was saying “This can’t work!”, but my heart was saying “This is the most BEAUTIFUL thing I have EVER heard!” Why?

In that moment, I experienced a little of what the Bible speaks of in Revelation 7:9 – “Behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (ESV). The beauty of that evening resonated in my spirit and stayed with me as I became more a part of the community and family that is Proskuneo. One year later, I was filling out my agreement to come on staff as the administrator for this ministry!

I wish I could say that I knew exactly what I was getting into over 18 months ago but, if I’m honest, I didn’t. I’m ok with that though, because the journey thus far has been far more amazing than I could have envisioned! I’m so glad God doesn’t limit his plans to the scope of my imagination! Through my time on staff with Proskuneo I have seen God move and provide in amazing ways. I have watched as God has provided opportunity upon opportunity for Proskuneo to have an impact on the church and those who come to the School of the Arts. Lives have been forever impacted and changed because of the staff, volunteers and churches who are a part of Proskuneo! I feel blessed and honored that I have been able to be a part of this and cannot wait to see what God is going to do in the future!